Garlic Chives Seeds
Garlic Chives Seeds
Garlic Chives are a resilient perennial herb characterized by flat, grass-like leaves with a delightful garlic essence. This enduring herb forms clusters of plants, boasting edible white flowers that entice pollinators to your garden.
Resilient Perennial - Garlic chives, a petite perennial herb, feature flat, grass-like leaves, forming clusters of plants. This low-maintenance herbaceous delight blooms with white flowers, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies to your garden. It can be cultivated in pots within container gardens to prevent its spread.
Garlicky Goodness - Infuse your culinary creations with delectable zest using these dependable herbs. Garlic chives complement a variety of dishes, including vegetables, fish, or meat, whether cooked or raw. Their edible flowers not only add visual appeal but also enhance the flavor of your dishes. Garlic Chive seeds yield charming white flowers that embellish your herb garden! The slender flat leaves impart a subtle garlic flavor, perfect for enhancing sauces, dips, salads, and steamed vegetables. Additionally, the seed stems are harvested and incorporated into Asian cuisine. Moderately hardy, this herb offers versatility in the kitchen.
Originating from western China, garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) have been integral to Asian cuisine for millennia. Distinguished by their flat, narrow blades, in contrast to the tubular leaves of regular chives, garlic chives have earned their place in dishes like traditional pad Thai, Chinese jiaozi, and various Korean delicacies such as buchukimchi. They are also cherished in stir-fries, soups, and dishes featuring eggs or fish. The delicately scented leaves of Allium tuberosum are often utilized more as a vegetable than an herb, serving as a viable substitute for standard chives. Abundant in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium, and iron, garlic chives contribute to a wholesome diet.
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How To Grow
How To Grow
Sowing: Garlic chive seeds thrive in various soil types, although they prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade. In regions with shorter growing seasons, it's advisable to start the seeds indoors in a flat, ensuring to provide bottom heat for optimal germination. For direct sowing, plant the garlic chive seeds outdoors after the final frost of spring, burying them about 6 millimeters deep in rows spaced 45 centimeters apart. As soon as the seedlings emerge, thin them to a distance of 15-20 centimeters apart. Germination typically occurs within 14 days. Garlic chives also adapt well to container gardening. For beneficial companion planting, consider pairing garlic chives with carrots, as this can enhance the flavor and yield of the carrots.
Growing: Maintain consistent moisture in the soil during the seedlings' development stage. With each passing year, garlic chives tend to spread vigorously and can be easily propagated by division for new plantings. To prevent the plant from self-seeding, it's essential to remove developing seed heads and keep the plant trimmed. To blanch the emerging leaves, cover the plant with a thick layer of straw. After experiencing several frosts, trim the plant down to ground level.
Harvesting
Harvesting
Harvesting: During their first year of growth, it's advisable to refrain from harvesting garlic chives to allow for robust development. In their second year, when the chives reach a length of 15 centimeters, they are ready for harvest. Utilize a sharp knife or scissors to cut them 1.25 centimeters above the soil level. Regular harvesting promotes increased productivity by stimulating new growth. However, be mindful that flowering may cause a significant slowdown in leaf growth. The harvested leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for approximately one week, or alternatively, they can be frozen. Note that drying the leaves results in a loss of flavor. For optimal taste, add the leaves to hot dishes just before serving, as prolonged exposure to heat diminishes their flavor. Additionally, the pungent onion-flavored buds and flowers are entirely edible and serve as delightful garnishes.
Seed Saving
Seed Saving
Seed Saving: Allow the garlic chive flowers to fully mature until they develop seed heads. Once the seed heads turn brown, promptly remove them before they have a chance to open and disperse their seeds. Place the seed heads in a well-ventilated area protected from direct sunlight to dry. Once completely dried, gently rub the heads to extract the seeds from the pods. Store the harvested seeds in a cool, dry location for up to 2 years to maintain their viability.
Extra Facts
Extra Facts
Garlic Chives Seeds
Common Names: Chinese Chives, Chinese Leeks
Latin Name: Allium tuberosum
Species Origin: Western China
Type of Seed: Herbaceous Perennial
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3-9
Planting Method: Direct Sow or Start Indoors
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Height: Up to 30-45 centimeters
Color: Green
Bloom Season: Late Summer to Early Autumn